Highlighting the strength of its diversified business model, recurring revenues from Emaar’s shopping malls, hospitality, entertainment and leisure businesses for 2016 was AED 5.976 billion (US$ 1.627 billion) similar to 2015, despite the ongoing redevelopment at The Address Downtown Dubai. The recurring revenue businesses now account for 38 per cent of the total Group revenue.

Emaar’s international operations recorded revenue of AED 2.665 billion (US$ 726 million) during FY 2016 accounting for 17 per cent of the total Group revenue.

Emaar has handed over around 41,500 residential units, 33,947 of them in Dubai. Highlighting its strong development potential, Emaar has a land bank of 190 million sq m globally including a significant 25 million sq m in the UAE.

Investments in premium real estate contributed to robust property sales in Dubai during 2016 at AED 14.4 billion (US$ 3.92 billion), which is 41 per cent higher than the FY 2015 sales value of AED 10.23 billion (US$ 2.79 billion). Sales across various international markets in 2016 were valued at AED 3.9 billion (US$ 1.1 billion). The Group now has a backlog of AED 42.977 billion (US$ 11.701 billion) to be recognized in the next few years, underlining its strong financial fundamentals.

Highlighting the confidence of regional and international investors in Emaar, in 2016 the company concluded a US$ 750 million Sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai at competitive pricing.

Future Now strategy
Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said that the impressive growth achieved by the company in 2016 underlines the success of the company’s long-term investments in creating sustained value for its stakeholders.

He added: “Emaar’s growth reflects the dynamism of the UAE, which has evolved as a global hub for business and leisure. As the nation sets new milestones in futuristic developments, Emaar will continue to invest in next-generation technology to deliver modern lifestyles that meet the lifestyle aspirations of our youth and future generations.

“This ‘future now’ strategy sets the foundation for our growth in the coming years, which reflects the growth aspirations of Dubai as a smart and sustainable city, steered by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”

New icons of the future
Emaar’s strategy of shaping the future today was defined in 2016 with Dubai Hills Estate, the 11 million sq m ‘green city within the city,’ which will also feature a world-class retail hub and is set around an 18-hole championship golf course.

Emaar has set another new milestone in urban development with the launch of The Tower in Dubai Creek Harbour, billed to be one of the iconic attractions in the world, and set in the heart of a 6 sq km mega-development. Also featuring a retail district for high-end brands, Dubai Creek Harbour creates a brand-new skyline for the nation.

Emaar has also launched Emaar South, a next-generation lifestyle destination in the new aviation and logistics hub of the city, Dubai South.

Having created tremendous value to the economy through Downtown Dubai, Emaar delivered a compelling icon in the 500-acre mega-development – Dubai Opera in The Opera District. A cultural hub, it serves as a magnet for talent from across the world, and is a must-visit attraction for visitors to the city.

The shopping malls assets of Emaar Malls together welcomed 125 million visitors during 2016, similar to annual footfall during 2015. The Dubai Mall set a similar footfall level of 80 million visitors for third consecutive year despite ongoing expansion in and around the mall, reiterating its reputation as the world’s most-visited retail and lifestyle destination.

With a gross leasable area of about 6 million sq ft in Dubai, Emaar Malls is on schedule with the expansion of The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue by another 1 million sq ft built-up area this year. Over 150 international brands will be added apart from some of Dubai’s first international F&B and leisure choices. Additionally, The Dubai Mall will undertake the Boulevard, Fountain Views and Zabeel expansions adding new retail and leisure attractions.

The hospitality & leisure, commercial leasing and entertainment business of Emaar recorded revenues of AED 2.749 billion (US$ 748 million) during the year ended 31 December 2016.

Average occupancy of hotels under Emaar Hospitality Group in Dubai during the year ended 31 December 2016 was 85%, higher than the industry average and 5 per cent higher than last year.

Rove Hotels, a new contemporary mid-market hotel and residences brand (a joint venture with Meraas Holding), opened two hotels – Rove Downtown Dubai and Rove City Centre in 2016. In all 10 Rove Hotels will open in Dubai, adding over 3,700 rooms, just in time for Expo 2020. Emaar Hospitality Group is also expanding its portfolio to international markets with projects in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and Turkey and a development pipeline of about 35 hotels and serviced residences in Dubai and international markets.